Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).

The Philippines is known for its months-long Christmas celebration. The countdown starts in September. And the festivities don’t stop after December 25 – it extends until after New Year.

Despite the problems they face everyday, Filipinos are fun-loving. Celebrating Christmas early is just one way this characteristic manifests.

Christmas also brings families together. It’s no wonder family-oriented Filipinos want to extend the season as much as they can.

SM Supermalls launched its hundred-day countdown to Christmas last September 16 at the MOA Arena Annex Building, Pasay City. The event was hosted by Justin Quirino.

SM has always been a big part of the Filipino family’s Christmas tradition. From the carols tinkling in the background during gift-shopping to the festive mall decors during family get-togethers – each serves as a backdrop to our Christmas memories.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. Jonjon San Agustin explains how SM Supermalls considers their
Christmas activations as a tribute to their customers. All photos by Rob Reyes/Rappler

Senior Vice President for Marketing Jonjon San Agustin said, “In the past three decades, the SM Supermall has been part of every Filipino family’s Christmas tradition, celebration, and memorable experiences. SM makes it a point to provide shoppers a whole new Christmas experience for the entire family to remember and cherish.”

Kids can also get into the spirit with the Sweet Treats Workshop for Kids and the Santa Meet and Greet.

Aside from the Yuletide decors and activities, customers can also look forward to shopping deals.

Avoid the Christmas rush by taking advantage of SM’s pre-holiday offers. Stock up on Watson’s Gift Sets starting October. Find the perfect presents for your kid, apo, or pamangkin at special prices during The SM Store Kids’ Sale for the whole month of October.

Meanwhile, the much-awaited Pre-Holiday Sale is on October 20-31, offering up to 70% off on Christmas finds.

The month of December brings even bigger promos. Buy 3 and get 1 on home appliances at SM Markets and enjoy Holiday Gift Baskets at SM Supermarkets. Shopaholics can also spend P3,000 at The Store for a chance to win a P100,000 shopping spree.

As a treat to shoppers, SM will be selecting random customers to surprise with special Christmas gifts from September 16 up to December 25.

GIVING BACK. SM Cares Bears of Joy gives shoppers a way to share the Christmas festivities with communities.

In keeping with the spirit of sharing, for every purchase of one SM Cares Bears of Joy from November 4 to December 25, another stuffed toy will be given to a child in need.

Russell Alaba, Assistant Vice President for Marketing at SM Supermalls Mindanao Region, said, “All of our events are designed in a way that will bring out the child within the Filipino. We always make sure to look into the tiny details to make sure that our customers will have memorable and magical experiences, especially during the holidays.”

Jonjon added, “More than any season, this is the one wherein we give our heart and soul to ensure a really memorable experience. The magic is when they come into our malls. Sometimes they come with some anticipation, sometimes they come in with a normal feeling. But when they leave the SM Supermalls during the Christmas season, they tell themselves: what a memorable experience we had.” –Rappler.com

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM's official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Get insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM's Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload, and and share your photos about your ultimate family experiences about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.

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Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).